Sending your article

The Metropolitan Beach Commission, which oversees the Commonwealth’s public beaches, is looking for community input and recommendations.

The state agency, which is made up of elected officials, non-profit leaders, and community advocates, will be in South Boston Tuesday to discuss with residents ways they think the community’s beaches can be improved.

Formed in 2006 by the Massachusetts Legislature, the agency released its first report on the condition of 14 Department of Conservation and Recreation managed beaches in 2007. The report evaluated beaches from Nahant to Nantasket and provided recommendations for ways to improve the waterfronts, from more programming to cleaner water.

In South Boston, the report assessed Carson Beach, Pleasure Bay, Castle Island, and the L and M Street Beaches. The report concluded that the water was getting cleaner, the beaches were easily accessible, and that they provided great views of the Boston Harbor and Islands.

The report, however, found that trash removal and maintenance was infrequent, parking was inadequate, and there was a need for more programming.

Now the agency wants to hear from residents what improvements have worked and what beaches in the neighborhood still need extra attention.

Tuesday’s public hearing will be held at the Curley Recreation Center at 1163 Columbia Rd. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The commission will only make one stop in South Boston as part of its statewide tour. More information about future hearings can be found on Save the Harbor Save the Bay’s, website.

---Email Patrick D. Rosso, patrick.d.rosso@gmail.com. Follow him @PDRosso, or friend him on Facebook.